Elevated Growth, Exceptional Connections
Welcome to a showcase of transformation, innovation, and shared achievement — a vibrant Year in Review for the M Community. This Year in Review is more than a look back; it’s a celebration of our Member Firms’ achievements, the talent we’ve welcomed, and the milestones we’ve reached together. From groundbreaking products and collaborative events to meaningful community outreach and industry recognition, every highlight reflects our steadfast commitment to supporting each other and shaping the future of our profession. We invite you to scroll through the pages and discover how your contributions and our shared vision have
made this an unforgettable journey.
M Community Grows With New Firm Additions
The year 2025 continued with our strong focus on growing the number of exceptional firms in the M Financial network. New Member Firms include:
- BFA Wealth Partners
- Donfeld Insurance Services Corp.
- EHD
- Gideon Strategic Partners, LLC
- McHenry Advisers
- Rohe Levy Financial and Insurance Services, LLC
- Valley Financial Solutions
- VISO Insurance Services, LLC
- WealthPoint
Fueling Firm Growth With Breakthrough Product Innovation
Product innovation in 2025 was all about giving Member Firms more ways to compete and grow.
The new proprietary John Hancock Majestic VUL 25 delivers a differentiated solution that helps firms stand out in a crowded market. Expanded annuity access creates fresh avenues for revenue and planning flexibility. Recent enhancements to MonograM, our proprietary solution from Unum, enable firms to pursue larger, more complex multi-life cases and expand reinsurance of this product.
The expansion of Protective's partnership strengthens executive term offerings for firms, and an agreement with Penn Mutual provides for the reinsurance of retail products. Internationally, we have expanded support for the global citizens market, including establishing infrastructure for Bermuda companies, new marketing activity, and engagement with multiple international carriers. Three other proprietary products have received Product Development Group (PDG) approval in 2025 and are on track for launch in early 2026.
Together, these updates build a more powerful and distinctive suite of products designed to help our Member Firms win more business.
Magnet Program: Empowering Tomorrow’s Leaders
The Magnet Program is designed specifically for our Member Firms, driving producer growth and delivering outstanding results. Member Firms have achieved total production of $30 million, with a four-year retention rate of 50%, far exceeding the industry average of 15%. In summer 2025, we hosted a two-day event in Dallas to strengthen connections among current and former Member Firm participants. Twenty producers representing our Member Firms formed the class of 2025, and we plan to expand to two classes in 2026. We are actively partnering with carriers to attract talented young professionals and support the long-term success and growth of our Member Firms.
M Introduces Back Office
Solutions for Member Firms
In 2025, M Financial unveiled Back Office Solutions, a transformative resource designed to empower our Member Firms like never before. By handling critical back-office functions, this expert team frees up your time to deepen client relationships and focus on what you do best—helping clients achieve their goals.
With more than 150 years of combined expertise in tax, estate planning, business succession, retirement strategies, and insurance solutions, our specialists become an extension of your team. Leveraging these resources, you gain access to:
- Bespoke plan design and technical support tailored to your clients’ needs
- Customized product recommendations and competitive analysis
- Seamless, efficient case processing and underwriting
- Comprehensive policy reviews and optimization services
Back Office Solutions is built for YOU—to elevate your practice, streamline
your workflow, and deliver exceptional results for your clients.
New Talent to Support Member Firm Growth
M Financial welcomed exceptional new talent to the M Community in 2025, adding roles that are critical to driving Member Firm growth and success. As we enter 2026, we remained focused on aligning our talent pools with the goals and objectives of our Member Firms, reflecting our shared mission to help them succeed, thrive, and realize their full potential.
Andrew Kanelos
SVP, Reinsurance
Brian Whelehan
VP, Global Specialty Markets
Carlos Sagrero
Actuarial Associate
Christi Rodriguez Cottrell
VP, Head of Advanced Markets
Christi Ford
Events Manager
Christopher Blanke
Regional Service Consultant
Daniel Segal
NQ Plan Administrator I
Danielle Kaylor
Case Manager Sr.
Felicity Quartermaine
Facilities Operations Lead
Garrett Whitfield
Private Placement Specialist
Greg Webster
VP, RIA Channel Development
Hayden West
Supervisory Principal I
Heather Davis Smith
VP, Head of Strategic Marketing
Jason Houser
Technical Underwriting Director
Jennifer Adame
Actuarial Analyst
Joe DeTeso
Regional Service Consultant
Joon Cho
Product & Inforce Analysis Director
Jordan Holding
Financial Analyst Sr.
Kajal Swarup
HR Specialist
Karam Idris
Accountant Sr.
Kristina Forrest
Private Placement Ops Associate
Matt Medell
Compliance Officer
Mike Pate
Corporate Development Director
Nathan Runyon
Commissions Specialist
Steve Sanders
EVP & Chief Operating Officer
Taylor Cannon
Operations Services Specialist Sr.
Terngu Ornguze
Sr. Manager, Infrastructure & IT Support
Tiana Bratcher
Front Desk Coordinator
M Community Shines at Signature Events
Across 2025, the M Community came together to share insights, strengthen relationships, and shape the future of the business. The National Advisors Conference continued that spirit of engagement, while Marketing Meeting 2025 brought more than 480 participants to Scottsdale for three days of learning and connection. M Connect 2025 added focused discussions in Boston and Dallas on emerging planning strategies and market trends. Together, these events demonstrated the power of collaboration and the collective strength of the M Community.
Industry Accolades for
M and Member Firms
This year brought standout recognition across the M Community. Twenty principals were honored in the 2025 Forbes | SHOOK Research rankings, while NAPA celebrated several Member Firm teams and rising leaders for excellence in retirement advising. Pacific Life recognized Board Chair David Byers with its Preston Hotchkis Distinguished Achievement Award, and M once again earned a place on the Ward’s 50 list for superior financial performance. Together, these honors highlight a community consistently setting the bar for expertise and professionalism. To view the winners, click below:
Member Firms Make a Meaningful Impact in
Their Communities
Member Firms across the country continued to make a meaningful difference in 2025, deepening their commitments to the communities and charities they serve. Through local partnerships, volunteer initiatives, and expanded philanthropic support, firms stepped up to address needs ranging from education and health services to food security and youth programs. Their generosity reflects the values at the heart of the M Community: showing up, giving back, and strengthening the places where clients, colleagues, and families live and work.
Our Collective Impact
M's Dallas Office Among “Coolest Offices in DFW”
In March, the Dallas Business Journal featured M Financial’s new Dallas office in its article series, “Coolest Offices in DFW.”